What to Put in Your Home Birth Kit

I’ve been blessed to have two out-of-hospital births. My first baby was delivered at a birthing center, and baby number two was delivered at home. While both experiences were very beautiful and positive for me, my home birth experience was by far the most rewarding and empowering. I believe this is due in large part to how much of the preparation fell on ME, specifically when it came time to build my home birth kit. Because I was in the driver’s seat, I was able to build a home birth kit that made me feel safe, comfortable, and prepared when it came time to give birth.

If you’re having a home birth and have no idea where to start preparing, I got you sis! I’ve put together as comprehensive of a list as you can get. I built my home birth kit using lists and advice from my midwife, YouTube home birth prep videos, my prior experience at the birth center, and blog posts (like this one!). My prayer is that you will be able to use my list for ideas and guidance as you build your own home birth kit.

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Home Birth Kit Essentials:

Disposable Underpads – Underpads are essential to protect your furniture and floors from blood and other bodily fluids as you labor and give birth. They are also useful postpartum to protect your bed and other furniture when your blood flow is very heavy. You will want about 20 of these.
Shower curtain liners – These can be used as a mattress protector, and a tarp under the birth pool.
Fishnet – if you’re having a water birth, having a fishnet comes in handy in case you poop in the water while pushing (I know it sounds disgusting, but pooping while pushing is very common in labor and nothing to be ashamed of).
Sterile bulb syringe – to clear baby’s nose and throat after birth
Adult diapers – there will be lots (and lots) of bleeding after birth. I’ve found that adult diapers are the most absorbent AND secure. I prefer them hands-down over pads and underwear in those first few days after birth. These are my favorite. They are comfortable and super absorbent, and they are not easily seen through your clothes.
Heavy pads and large, high-waisted underwear – after you’re done with the diapers, pads in varying absorbencies coupled with high-waisted underwear will help keep everything contained and comfortable.
Nursing supplies – stretchy bras, nipple cream, nursing pads, nursing pillow
Dermoplast – this pain relieving spray helps relieve burning, itching, and soreness
Sitz bath – this herbal bath helps promote healing after birth. I also like to use this Sitz spray.
Angled Peri bottle – to clean yourself when you go to the bathroom. Wiping is a huge “no” after you give birth. Using an angled peri bottle and patting yourself dry is best practices in those first few days postpartum (especially if you have stitches down there).
Baby items – diapers, wipes, newborn hat, 6-8 receiving blankets, 2 changes of clothes/onesies, plush blanket
Swim suit top or sports bra – for laboring in the water
Robe – during labor your body can swing from hot to cold. Keeping a light robe nearby that you can take on or off will go a long way.
Clorox wipes – for cleaning and disinfecting afterwards
Large bowl for placenta – whether you plan to encapsulate it or toss it, you’ll need somewhere to hold the placenta once you deliver it.
Hydrogen Peroxide – used to disinfect
Labor playlist – music and/or affirmations that make you feel relaxed, comforted, and empowered. The Childbirth in the Glory playlist on YouTube was so helpful for me!
Extension cord – needed if the place you labor in is far away from outlets, but you want to be able to charge your phone or camera nearby
Heating pad – for pain relief during labor and to help regulate baby’s temperature once he/she is born if needed.
Birth ball – for pain relief and to help get baby in position during labor
Small bottle of olive or almond oil – spread a little of this on the baby’s bottom right after birth. It will help the meconium – baby’s super sticky first poop – wipe right off
Hospital emergency plan printed out – because emergencies do happen. Have this solidified well in advance.
Food and drinks for labor and postpartum – protein bars, energy drinks, and a large meal to have once baby is born.
Ibuprofen or Tylenol – for pain relief postpartum
Birth pool and liner*** – your midwife should provide this or instruct you wear to buy it from
Flashlight and extra batteries – for the midwife to see “down there” while you’re in the birthing pool
Lead-free water hose and sink adapter for hose – for filling the birth pool
2 sets of linens/sheets
6-8 bath towels
2 large trash bags
Comfy postpartum outfit or pajamas for mom
Backup batteries for cameras/phones
Large water bottle or tumbler
Thermometer
***In addition your midwife will likely have additional items for you to buy in her own customized home birth kit***

I hope this list was helpful. You can access it in pdf form by clicking the image below and providing your email. You can also access my list of birth, postpartum, newborn, and breastfeeding essentials via my Amazon Store.

Wishing you a safe and peaceful labor and delivery!